Production Manager – Food & Beverage | Lean & Continuous Improvement
- Ayer, Massachusetts, United States
- Full-Time
- On-Site
- 116,000-135,000 USD / Year
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Production Manager to oversee all manufacturing operations within a high‑volume food and beverage production environment. This leader is responsible for meeting safety, quality, throughput, and cost targets while developing a strong, engaged team and driving continuous improvement across all production processes. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on leadership, Lean experience, and a proven track record managing production teams in regulated environments.
Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Limited
Requirements:
- Perform additional duties as needed to support plant operations.
- Lead daily production operations to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives.
- Monitor performance using KPIs and Daily Management Systems; identify trends and implement corrective actions.
- Apply PDCA, root‑cause analysis, and other structured problem‑solving tools to resolve issues and drive sustainable improvements.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve scheduling efficiency.
- Supervise, coach, and develop production team members; foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
- Ensure compliance with GMPs, SOPs, OSHA, FDA, and all applicable regulatory and quality standards.
- Oversee material availability, product quality, and on‑time delivery through effective resource planning.
- Facilitate daily and weekly production reviews to align teams with short‑ and long‑term operational goals.
- Support new product launches and cross‑functional initiatives with business, quality, and engineering teams.
- Lead workforce planning, training, and succession development to build operational flexibility.
Qualifications (Must-Haves)
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high‑performing teams.
- Minimum 5 years of production management experience in food, beverage, biotech, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong working knowledge of GMPs, SOPs, OSHA, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
- Experience using KPIs, Daily Management Systems, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
- All education levels will be considered; equivalent practical experience is fully acceptable.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience supporting new product introductions.
- Strong communication and cross‑functional leadership skills.
- Background in high‑volume, fast‑paced manufacturing environments.
Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Employee discount programs
- Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus